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Marques JM, Figueiredo CPM, Scanavino MDT. A review of published studies on virtual reality in sexuality research. Sex Med Rev 2024; 12:371-386. [PMID: 38705842 DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qeae024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Virtual reality (VR) technology contributes to greater approach of methodological safety to make ecological validity more feasible and a growing interest in sexuality behaviors. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to show VR in the sexuality area by a comprehensive review of outcomes, offer a synthesis of the studies, and make a methodological quality assessment of finding results. A secondary goal was to investigate the effect of immersion on diverse sexual responses outcomes. METHODS We designed a review based on a systematic review strategy describing types of studies, participants, data collection and outcomes; searched in 4 electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and SciELO), and made a full-text screening process. RESULTS The study found 18 articles that met research criteria synthesized within 3 outcome groups: erection measures, level of immersion, and biomarker studies. Synthesis shows a lack of methodological aspects that impair results, such as description of methods from bias protection, randomization, or concealment. The literature still needs to improve its methodology, even though it already shows relevant data for intervention in sexual dysfunction, forensic psychiatry, sexual attraction, orientation, and use of pornography. CONCLUSION Current methodological issues need better design to highlight relevant issues in sexuality with stronger quality of design, opening boundaries to new diagnostic or interventional technologies to sexual health.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Miguel Marques
- Excessive Sexual Drive and Prevention of Negative Outcome Associated to Sexual Behavior Outpatient Unit, Institute of Psyquiatry (IPq) Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Caio Petrus Monteiro Figueiredo
- Institute of Psyquiatry (IPq) Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marco D T Scanavino
- Excessive Sexual Drive and Prevention of Negative Outcome Associated to Sexual Behavior Outpatient Unit, Institute of Psyquiatry (IPq) Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Experimental Pathophysiology Post Graduation Program, Institute of Psyquiatry (IPq) Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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Ray TN, Parkhill MR. Profiles of Childhood Victimization as Predictors of Sexual Aggression and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration. Violence Against Women 2022:10778012221145298. [PMID: 36575637 DOI: 10.1177/10778012221145298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The study utilized a latent profile analysis to evaluate distinct combinations of men's childhood victimization experiences and their communal predictive ability for sexual aggression (SA) and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration. Men living in the United States (N = 399) completed assessments of emotional, physical, and sexual childhood victimization, as well as SA and IPV toward women. The results indicated that members of profiles characterized by moderate to high frequencies of childhood victimization-especially sexual victimization-were at increased risk of SA and IPV perpetration. Contrary to expectations, adult- versus peer-perpetrated victimization did not appear to substantially alter risk of perpetration.
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Łukaszek M. Patterns of University Students' Risky Sexual Experiences and Their Characteristics. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192114239. [PMID: 36361116 PMCID: PMC9658245 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
In Poland, there is little research on university students' risky sexual behaviours. Additionally, existing studies analyse the behaviours selectively and do not group them into clusters. Hence, effective prevention is impossible. The research aims to gather information regarding the prevalence, forms and clusters of students' risky sexual experiences. In 2019, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 12 universities in south-eastern Poland on a random sample (n = 2764). Fifteen risky sexual experiences, both condom-protected and unprotected, were analysed; they were mainly unprotected vaginal, oral, anal contacts; protected and unprotected sexual experiences while intoxicated and with unknown persons. Thanks Ward's hierarchical method, four inseparable clusters of students with similar risky experiences were distinguished. Their dominant features were: (A) (24% of interviewees)-drunk partners, (B) (4.8%)-partners intoxicated with drugs, (C) (3.1%)-partner abuse and exceeding partner sexual norms, (D) (17.8%)-the anonymity of partners and going beyond the convention. It was stated that 60.3% of the respondents do not belong to any of the identified clusters. Sex education and the promotion of student sexual health should be intensified; the development of attitudes of avoiding risky sexual behaviours and dealing with their consequences should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Łukaszek
- Department of Resocialization Pedagogy, Faculty of Pedagogy, University of Rzeszów, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland
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Kirwan M, Davis KC, Stappenbeck CA, George WH. The Effect of State, Trait, and Situational Factors on Young Men's Coercive Condom Use Resistance. PSYCHOLOGY OF MEN & MASCULINITY 2022; 23:374-383. [PMID: 36776223 PMCID: PMC9910211 DOI: 10.1037/men0000399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Coercive Condom Use Resistance (CUR) is a significant problem, associated with increases in STIs, unplanned pregnancy, feelings of betrayal, and a loss of sexual autonomy. Furthermore, young men are much more likely to perpetrate coercive CUR than young women. Thus, the present study sought to examine the past experiences, trait characteristics, and state emotions which may precede coercive CUR perpetration intentions, including alcohol intoxication, childhood emotional abuse, trait impulsivity, sexual sensation seeking, state impulsivity, and state anxiety, using an alcohol administration procedure. Young, single, non-problem drinking, and sexually active men who have sex with women from the United States (N = 297; 66% White, 9.4% Black, 10.7% Multi-racial, 5.1% Asian, 1.0% Native American, 1.0% Pacific Islander, and 10.4% Hispanic or Latino) were recruited for participation. They were randomly assigned to either receive alcohol or remain sober before projecting themselves into a hypothetical sexual scenario with a woman who asked to use a condom. Results showed that greater levels of childhood emotional abuse were associated with increased trait impulsivity and sexual sensation seeking, and that sexual sensation seeking was associated with increased state impulsivity and subsequent anxiety during the scenario. Finally, alcohol intoxication moderated the relationship between state anxiety and coercive CUR such that state anxiety was positively associated with coercive CUR among intoxicated men only. Findings suggest that interventions targeting coercive CUR behavior may be improved by focusing on men who have experienced childhood trauma, as well as their alcohol consumption and in-the-moment experiences of impulsivity and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell Kirwan
- Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University
| | - Kelly Cue Davis
- Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University
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Chopin J, Fortin F, Paquette S. Childhood victimization and poly-victimization of online sexual offenders: A developmental psychopathology perspective. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 129:105659. [PMID: 35525035 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on childhood victimization of individuals involved in online sexual offending during adulthood is scarce. Studies focusing on adverse childhood of individuals involved in offline child abuse suggested that childhood trauma was associated with an increased probability of sexual offending during adulthood. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to explore the role that childhood victimization may have in the development of risk factors that increase the likelihood of being involved in online sexual offending. PARTICIPANTS This comparative study analyzed the characteristics of 127 individuals involved in online sexual offending who did not experience childhood victimization and 77 individuals involved in online sexual offending who experienced childhood victimization. METHODS Bivariate and regression analyses were conducted to identify variables associated with the presence of victimization and polyvictimization during childhood. Next, structural equation modeling analysis was used to identify the direct and indirect relationships between childhood (poly)victimization and the development of risk factors. RESULTS Results showed that individuals who experienced childhood victimization presented different risk factors and cognitions compared to those who did not. Depending on the type of victimization experienced, criminogenic cognitions, antisocial behaviors, and sexual interests for children were more likely to be developed. CONCLUSIONS For individuals involved in online sexual offending during adulthood, childhood abuse is directly associated with the development of offense-supportive cognitions, substance abuse, and youth engagement in sexual offending, while sexual interests for children and sense of loneliness are indirect consequences of childhood trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Chopin
- University of Montreal, International Centre for Comparative Criminology, Simon Fraser University, School of Criminology, Canada; Laval University, School of Social Work and Criminology, Canada.
| | | | - Sarah Paquette
- Sex Offenders Coordination Section, Sûreté du Québec, Laval University, School of Social Work and Criminology, Canada.
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Davis KC, Neilson EC, Kirwan M, Bird ER, Eldridge N, George WH, Stappenbeck CA. The Interplay of Sexual Arousal and Power-Related Emotions in Men's Alcohol-Involved Sexual Aggression Intentions. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2022; 59:765-779. [PMID: 34520295 PMCID: PMC8918440 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2021.1972923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Research has identified power/dominance and sexual arousal as key motivators of men's sexual aggression; however, little research has examined the interplay of these two factors in alcohol-involved sexual aggression. Two alcohol administration experiments investigated the roles of power-related sex motives and power- and sexual arousal-related emotions on men's sexual aggression intentions. In Study 1, participants (N = 96) read a sexual aggression scenario after random assignment to consume either an alcoholic (target peak BrAC = .10%) or nonalcoholic beverage. Results indicated that power-related sex motives indirectly predicted stronger sexual aggression intentions through greater in-the-moment power-related emotions but not through sexual arousal-related emotions. Intoxicated men with more severe perpetration histories reported stronger sexual aggression intentions. In Study 2, participants (N = 203) completed similar measures after random assignment to receive either a brief emotion regulation-focused intervention (cognitive restructuring or mindfulness) or a control, followed by either alcohol (target peak BrAC = .08%) or nonalcoholic beverage consumption. Results demonstrated that greater power-related sex motives indirectly predicted stronger sexual aggression intentions through greater feelings of power and sexual arousal. Additionally, findings suggest that cognitive restructuring approaches may mitigate these relationships in sober men, while mindfulness approaches may exacerbate these relationships in intoxicated men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Cue Davis
- Arizona State University, Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Phoenix, AZ 85004
| | | | - Mitchell Kirwan
- Arizona State University, Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Phoenix, AZ 85004
| | - Elizabeth R. Bird
- Seattle VA Medical Center, VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA 98108
| | - Nolan Eldridge
- Arizona State University, Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Phoenix, AZ 85004
| | - William H. George
- University of Washington, Department of Psychology, Seattle, WA 98195
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Bonar EE, DeGue S, Abbey A, Coker AL, Lindquist CH, McCauley HL, Miller E, Senn CY, Thompson MP, Ngo QM, Cunningham RM, Walton MA. Prevention of sexual violence among college students: Current challenges and future directions. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2022; 70:575-588. [PMID: 32407244 PMCID: PMC7666108 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2020.1757681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Objective Preventing sexual violence among college students is a public health priority. This paper was catalyzed by a summit convened in 2018 to review the state of the science on campus sexual violence prevention. We summarize key risk and vulnerability factors and campus-based interventions, and provide directions for future research pertaining to campus sexual violence. Results and Conclusions: Although studies have identified risk factors for campus sexual violence, longitudinal research is needed to examine time-varying risk factors across social ecological levels (individual, relationship, campus context/broader community and culture) and data are particularly needed to identify protective factors. In terms of prevention, promising individual and relational level interventions exist, including active bystander, resistance, and gender transformative approaches; however, further evidence-based interventions are needed, particularly at the community-level, with attention to vulnerability factors and inclusion for marginalized students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Bonar
- Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Sarah DeGue
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Antonia Abbey
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Ann L Coker
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Christine H Lindquist
- Division for Applied Justice Research, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Heather L McCauley
- School of Social Work, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Elizabeth Miller
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh & Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Charlene Y Senn
- Department of Psychology and Women's & Gender Studies Program, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Martie P Thompson
- Department of Psychology, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Quyen M Ngo
- Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Rebecca M Cunningham
- Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Maureen A Walton
- Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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George WH, Blayney JA, Stappenbeck CA, Davis KC. The Role of Alcohol-Related Behavioral Risk in the Design of HIV Prevention Interventions in the Era of Antiretrovirals: Alcohol Challenge Studies and Research Agenda. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:347-364. [PMID: 34244871 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03351-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
HIV/AIDS remains a significant health threat and alcohol is a robust contributing factor. After 25 years of alcohol challenge studies investigating alcohol-related behavioral risk (ARBR), much has been learned delineating how drinking influences sexual transmission. We examine this research and consider its relevance for interventions in the era of antiretrovirals. We consider prototypic alcohol challenge methods, illustrative findings, and prevention/intervention implications, noting three perspectives: (a) scale up/extend existing interventions, including identifying under-targeted risk groups and intersecting with PrEP/PEP interventions; (b) modify existing interventions by cultivating psychoeducational content related to alcohol expectancies, alcohol myopia, sexual arousal, risk perception, sexual abdication, and condom use resistance; and (c) innovate new interventions through Science of Behavior Change approaches and repurposing ARBR paradigms. Finally, we suggest research directions concluding that until HIV incidence diminishes significantly, psychosocial interventions addressing the nexus of alcohol use, sexual transmission, and adherence to biomedical protocols will be an important priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H George
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Box 351525, Seattle, WA, 98195-1525, USA.
| | - Jessica A Blayney
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Cynthia A Stappenbeck
- Department of Psychology, Center for Research on Interpersonal Violence, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kelly Cue Davis
- Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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Romero-Sánchez M, Megías JL, Carretero-Dios H. Sexist Humor and Sexual Aggression Against Women: When Sexist Men Act According to Their Own Values or Social Pressures. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2021; 36:NP11322-NP11348. [PMID: 31738118 DOI: 10.1177/0886260519888518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to sexist humor creates a context in which some men feel comfortable expressing aggressive tendencies toward women (i.e., self-reported rape proclivity). This is in part because this type of humor makes it easier for men who have antagonistic attitudes toward women to express their prejudice without fear of social reprisal. Besides, previous research has demonstrated the influence of motivational variables such as autonomy (initiation or regulation of intentional behavior based on free choice) and control (acting under external pressure) on aggression. We conducted two experiments to explore the hypothetical influence of priming autonomy and control motivations on the relation between sexist humor and the expression of sexually aggressive tendencies toward women. Study 1 (N = 108) revealed that control-primed men with high (vs. low) scores in hostile sexism reported a higher rape proclivity when exposed to sexist (vs. neutral) humor. These results were partially replicated in Study 2 (N = 132), assessing the accessibility of aggressive sexual thoughts. This research contributes to our understanding of the influence of sexist humor and motivational orientations in sexist men on the expression of aggressive sexual behaviors directed against women.
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Voith LA, Anderson RE, Cahill SP. Extending the ACEs Framework: Examining the Relations Between Childhood Abuse and Later Victimization and Perpetration With College Men. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2020; 35:3487-3512. [PMID: 29294760 DOI: 10.1177/0886260517708406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Research has revealed that forms of violence are interconnected, but less work focuses on the interconnection of victimization and perpetration, particularly with men. Subsequently, our understanding of the complexities of violence exposure in men's lives and related policies and treatments remains limited. The present study utilizes a sample of at-risk for violence involvement, college men, to examine the relationships between childhood victimization, adulthood victimization, and adulthood perpetration. Participants are 423 college men receiving course credit who completed a battery of standardized questionnaires via an anonymous web survey. Logistic regression is used. Results indicate that 27% of the men report polyperpetration (two or more types of perpetration), 43.5% report polyvictimization (two or more types of victimization), and 60% report experiencing both forms of victimization and perpetration in the past year. Childhood physical abuse has predictive power for perpetration (psychological aggression and polyperpetration) and victimization (sexual violence, psychological aggression, and polyvictimization) for the men in the past year. Childhood sexual abuse has strong predictive power for perpetration (physical violence, sexual violence, and polyperpetration) and victimization (physical violence and sexual violence) with the men in the past year. Finally, emotional abuse has predictive power for victimization (physical violence and psychological aggression), but not perpetration, for the men in the past year. Developmental psychopathology and the adverse childhood experiences frameworks are used to posit potential pathways explaining the relation between childhood abuse and the overlap between victimization and perpetration in adulthood for men. Implications of this study include the use of trauma-informed models of care with men and expanding the scope of study to examine experiences of both victimization and perpetration, and various types of violence, among men.
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Mulqueeny DM, Roberts J, Nkabini SM. Mapping evidence of young people's experiences of sexual aggression in the United Kingdom: A systematic scoping review protocol. Syst Rev 2020; 9:129. [PMID: 32493492 PMCID: PMC7271434 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-020-01362-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND According to the UK's Office for National Statistics, England and Wales reported a 2.9% increase in sexual aggression cases (3.4 million females and 631,000 males) between 2009 and 2019. In Scotland, sexual aggression cases increased by 66%, with 40% of these sexual violations being perpetrated on individuals under the age of 18 years, while incidents relating to sexual misconduct in Northern Ireland increased by 21.0%, with only 41.2% of those cases being prosecuted. Acts of sexual aggression can have physical, emotional and mental consequences which predispose young people to subsequent short- and long-term mental and social disorders and comorbidities. Such consequences include feelings of guilt, shame, anger, experiencing post-traumatic stress disorders, antisocial behaviour, alcohol and drug misuse and dependency, confusion surrounding sexuality and sexually transmitted illnesses including the human immuno-deficiency virus. However, despite the societal, health, economic and educational implications for young people in the UK and increasing statistics, few studies address this scourge. Hence, the objective is to systematically map evidence of young people's experiences of sexual aggression in the UK and identify literature gaps that could inform future research. METHODS The included literature for this scoping review is published peer-reviewed articles of all research designs; grey literature including governmental reports, policy statements, conference and media reports; and unpublished theses. Electronic searches of databases and search engines such as Embase, Google, Google Scholar, EBSCOhost, CINAHL, PubMed, Education Resources Information Centre (ERIC), PsycInfo, World Health Organization (WHO), media organizations, governmental and education departments and higher learning websites for published literature. Additional searches will include screening citations in reference lists of articles and perusing "Cited by" logs. All retrieved literature will be exported to an Endnote X9.2 library. Duplicate documents will be deleted prior to title screening commencing. An adapted Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT) will be independently used by two reviewers to ensure a rigorous study and quality assessment of all included studies. DISCUSSION This scoping review employs a mixed-method approach to map and select relevant literature and summarize and report on young people's experiences of sexual aggression in the UK. Once the data is summarized, it could inform planning and policy pertaining to a safe and effective sexual health curriculum for all young people, assist with the development of effective strategies to reduce sexual aggression and guide future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delarise Maud Mulqueeny
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. .,Department of Social Science, Gender and Education, School of Education, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Room 01-032, 121 Marianhill Rd, Pinetown, 3605, South Africa.
| | - Jennifer Roberts
- Department of Social Science, Gender and Education, School of Education, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Room 01-032, 121 Marianhill Rd, Pinetown, 3605, South Africa
| | - Senzelokuhle Mpumelelo Nkabini
- Department of Social Science, Gender and Education, School of Education, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Room 01-032, 121 Marianhill Rd, Pinetown, 3605, South Africa
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Testa M, Brown WC, Wang W. Do Men Use More Sexually Aggressive Tactics When Intoxicated? A Within-Person Examination of Naturally Occurring Episodes of Sex. PSYCHOLOGY OF VIOLENCE 2019; 9:546-554. [PMID: 32999754 PMCID: PMC7523876 DOI: 10.1037/vio0000186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Men's alcohol use has been linked to sexual assault perpetration. Yet, it is unknown whether within naturally-occurring sexual encounters men use more sexually aggressive tactics when they are intoxicated. The present study considered whether college men's perceived intoxication at the time of sex increased their self-reported use of verbal persuasion, physical force, and encouraged intoxication of partner as tactics to convince a woman to have sex. METHOD As part of a 56-day daily report study, 298 college freshman males reported 1,832 episodes of sexual activity with female partners. Using multilevel modeling, we considered the within-person effects of subjective intoxication, sexual precedence (new versus previous partner), and perceived partner sexual interest on male use of sexually aggressive strategies within each sexual encounter. We also considered whether the impact of event-specific intoxication was moderated by individual differences in hostility toward women, delinquency, and impersonal sex. RESULTS Greater subjective intoxication at the time of sex predicted greater use of verbal persuasion and encouraging intoxication of partner. Although intoxication did not predict physical force directly, there were indirect effects via greater verbal persuasion and encouraging partner intoxication. Event-specific intoxication did not interact with any of the individual difference variables and only hostility toward women contributed positively to use of event-specific sexually aggression. CONCLUSIONS Men's intoxication at the time of sexual activity increases their use of sexually aggressive strategies within naturally-occurring sexual encounters. Findings help to explain the robust relationship between alcohol use and sexual assault found in college populations.
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King AR, Russell TD. Lifetime Acts of Violence Assessment (LAVA) predictors of laboratory aggression. Aggress Behav 2019; 45:477-488. [PMID: 30937912 DOI: 10.1002/ab.21835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
While self-report data warrants interpretive caution in applied settings, these indices serve an important role in exploratory research. The Lifetime Assessment of Violent Acts (LAVA) inventory is a brief, reliable, face-valid questionnaire for estimating the frequency, triggers, and consequences (including injuries to others) of prior acts of aggression. The LAVA also identifies the situational contexts in which prior violence was triggered and provides a basis for risk classifications based on past reactive, intimate partner, alcohol-related, and/or weapon-related violence. Scores on the LAVA indices have been linked to a range of developmental and maladjustment indicators. Associations were found between lab-provoked (Taylor Aggression Paradigm) responding and both dimensional and risk classification scores in this sample (N = 92) of college men. Participants "competed" with a fictional opponent using electric shock as a retaliatory measure for perceived provocation. The total LAVA dimensional score predicted mean shock intensity ( d = .87), baseline responding ( d = 0.90), and past sexual aggression ( d = 1.01). Shock intensities in response to high provocation were predicted ( M d = 0.57) by all but one LAVA index. Participants who reported inflicting one or more injuries on another showed more intense escalations of aggression ( d = 0.46) in response to provocation than normative counterparts. Prior injuries to another ( RR = 2.71), reactive acts of aggression ( RR = 3.73), or intimate-partner violence ( RR = 4.19) elevated the risk of one or more prior acts of self-reported sexual aggression. The limitations and potential value of self-report data were discussed in regard to aggression research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tiffany D. Russell
- University of North Dakota North Dakota
- Harvard Medical School Massachusetts
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14
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King AR, Kuhn SK, Strege C, Russell TD, Kolander T. Revisiting the link between childhood sexual abuse and adult sexual aggression. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2019; 94:104022. [PMID: 31200261 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.104022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood maltreatment poses a risk factor for adult sexual aggression among men. OBJECTIVE Efforts were made to examine links between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and sexual aggression after controlling variance associated with other forms of abuse. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING This sample was comprised of men (n = 489) who completed a national survey regarding their history of possible abuse and/or sexual aggression. METHODS Maltreatment indices included CSA, parental and sibling physical abuse, exposure to domestic violence, peer bullying, and family emotional abuse. Self-report indicators of sexual frotteurism, coercion and rape were provided by the Sexual Experiences Survey-Short Form Perpetration. RESULTS CSA links with the criterion indicators were relatively stronger (r = 0.36, d = 0.65, p < .001) than those found for non-sexual forms of abuse. CSA accounted for unshared variance in sexual aggression with these effects magnified by the addition of parental physical abuse (d = 2.1) or exposure to domestic violence (d = 2.2). The relative risks of prior acts of rape were elevated by CSA (RR = 4.39, p < .001), parental physical abuse (RR = 3.85, p < 0.001), exposure to domestic violence (RR = 3.81, p < .001), or sibling physical abuse (RR = 2.56, p = 0.007). These risks of completed rape were higher as well among respondents polyvictimized by two (RR = 4.92, p < .001) or more (RR = 8.94, p < 0.001) forms of abuse. CONCLUSIONS Multiple forms of child maltreatment, particularly CSA, were strongly associated with adult sexual aggression in this sample of men from the general population.
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George WH. Alcohol and Sexual Health Behavior: "What We Know and How We Know It". JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2019; 56:409-424. [PMID: 30958036 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2019.1588213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol, despite salutary associations with sexuality, has been implicated in sexual health problems. This review examines the relationship between alcohol and outcomes related to sexual health. Methodological considerations limiting causal assertions permissible with nonexperimental data are discussed, as are advantages of experimental methods. Findings from laboratory experiments are reviewed evaluating causal effects of acute alcohol intoxication on a variety of outcomes, including sexual arousal, sexual desire, orgasm, and sexual risk behaviors related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Several variables exerting mediating and moderating influences are identified. It is concluded that acute alcohol intoxication is capable of exerting a causal impact on multiple constituent components of sexual responding related to sexual health. Both alcohol expectancy and alcohol myopia theories have been supported as explanations for these causal effects. Furthermore, for sexual risk behavior, noteworthy recent developments include research highlighting the importance of women's sexual victimization history and men's condom use resistance. Limitations and implications associated with this body of research are also discussed.
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Leone RM, Haikalis M, Parrott DJ, DiLillo D. Bystander Intervention to Prevent Sexual Violence: The Overlooked Role of Bystander Alcohol Intoxication. PSYCHOLOGY OF VIOLENCE 2018; 8:639-647. [PMID: 30505616 PMCID: PMC6261511 DOI: 10.1037/vio0000155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Bystander training is a promising form of sexual violence (SV) prevention that has proliferated in recent years. Though alcohol commonly accompanies SV, there has been little consideration of the potential impact of bystander alcohol intoxication on SV prevention. The aims of this commentary are to provide an integrative framework for understanding the proximal effect of alcohol on SV intervention, provide recommendations to spark novel research, and guide the application of research to bystander programming efforts. METHOD This commentary begins with a review of existing bystander training programs and the need to target alcohol use and misuse in these programming efforts. Next, pertinent alcohol and bystander theories and research are drawn from to develop a framework for the proximal effect of alcohol on SV intervention. RESULTS The well-established decision-making model of bystander behavior (Latané & Darley, 1970) and Alcohol Myopia Theory (Josephs & Steele, 1990) are used to identify potential barriers to SV intervention that may be created or exacerbated by alcohol use. Additionally, the ways in which alcohol may facilitate intervention are discussed. CONCLUSIONS Specific recommendations are made for elucidating the relationship between alcohol and bystander behavior and testing the impact of alcohol at each level of the presented framework. Methodological and analytic concerns are discussed, including the need for more multi-method studies. Recommendations to guide the application of the present framework to SV prevention programming efforts are provided and consider how the proximal effects of alcohol impact intervention.
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Woerner J, Abbey A, Pegram SE, Helmers BR. The effects of alcohol intoxication and sexual interest on men's sexual persistence and hostility in a dating simulation. Aggress Behav 2018; 44:10.1002/ab.21773. [PMID: 29974972 PMCID: PMC6546559 DOI: 10.1002/ab.21773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Perpetrators of sexual assault are often intoxicated; however, few experimental studies evaluate alcohol's "in the moment" effects on sexual aggression. This study extends past theory and research by examining the acute effects of alcohol on men's decisions about how to respond to sexual refusals in a dating simulation. Men (N = 62) ages 21-29 were randomly assigned to consume alcohol (target breath alcohol level 0.080%) or no alcohol. Participants were encouraged to talk to a simulated woman and act as they would on an actual date. They made choices from a list which included nonsexual and sexual options. The female agent was programmed to engage in some sexual activities but refuse others. Refusals became more intense if participants persisted. Negative binomial regression analysis was used to test a path analytic model. As predicted, participants' self-reported desire to have sex was positively associated with choosing more consensual sexual activities during the simulation (i.e., activities in which the woman willingly engaged). Consensual sexual activities were positively associated with the number of times participants persisted after the woman refused. Alcohol moderated this relationship such that it was stronger for intoxicated men than sober men. The more sexual refusals participants received, the more hostile verbal comments they made to the woman. Contrary to our predictions, this relationship was not moderated by alcohol condition. Because participants had multiple opportunities to escalate their aggression or desist, this paradigm provides new insights into the mechanisms through which intoxication enhances the likelihood of sexual aggression in dating situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Woerner
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Woodward, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Antonia Abbey
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Woodward, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Sheri E Pegram
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Woodward, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Breanne R Helmers
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Woodward, Detroit, Michigan
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Davis KC, Neilson EC, Wegner R, Danube CL. The Intersection of Men's Sexual Violence Perpetration and Sexual Risk Behavior: A Literature Review. AGGRESSION AND VIOLENT BEHAVIOR 2018; 40:83-90. [PMID: 30713462 PMCID: PMC6350826 DOI: 10.1016/j.avb.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
According to the Confluence Model of Sexual Violence, men with a strong impersonal sex orientation (i.e., greater engagement in sexual activities with more casual sexual partners) are at increased risk of perpetrating sexual violence. Research from a variety of countries and samples has supported this proposition, finding that men who perpetrate sexual violence are also more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior. The present article reviews this literature, synthesizing research findings from both psychology and public health domains utilizing both domestic and international samples. In particular, this review focuses on the associations between men's perpetration of sexual violence and their sexual partners, condom use, and sexually transmitted infection status, as well as provides recommendations for future research directions and prevention and intervention programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Cue Davis
- College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University
| | | | - Rhiana Wegner
- Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts - Boston
| | - Cinnamon L. Danube
- Institutional Research and Decision Support, University of California, Merced
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Davis KC, Masters NT, Casey E, Kajumulo KF, Norris J, George WH. How Childhood Maltreatment Profiles of Male Victims Predict Adult Perpetration and Psychosocial Functioning. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2018; 33:915-937. [PMID: 26590221 PMCID: PMC4874905 DOI: 10.1177/0886260515613345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This study used latent class analysis to empirically identify subgroups of men based on their exposure to childhood maltreatment (i.e., emotional neglect and abuse, physical neglect and abuse, and sexual abuse). It then examined subgroups' differential perpetration of adult intimate partner violence (IPV; both psychological and physical), violence against peers, and sexual assault. Finally, we compared sociodemographic variables and psychosocial functioning across profiles to characterize the adult experiences of men in different maltreatment groups. The community sample consisted of 626 heterosexually active 21- to 30-year-old men. We identified four subgroups: Low Maltreatment (80% of the sample), Emotional and Physical Maltreatment (12%), Emotional and Sexual Maltreatment (4%), and Poly-Victimized (4%). The Low Maltreatment group had significantly lower IPV perpetration rates than the Emotional and Physical Maltreatment group, but groups did not significantly differ on peer violence or sexual assault perpetration rates. Overall, Poly-Victimized men were significantly worse off than the Low Maltreatment group regarding income, education level, and incarceration history. Their rates of recent anxiety and depression symptoms were also higher than those of Low Maltreatment men. Findings support the use of person-oriented techniques for deriving patterns of childhood maltreatment and how these patterns relate to psychological, behavioral, and social factors in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Erin Casey
- 1 University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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20
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Yeater EA, Treat TA, Viken RJ, Lenberg KL. Sexual Attitudes Moderate the Effects of Alcohol Intoxication on Women's Risk Judgments. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2018; 33:228-249. [PMID: 26371088 DOI: 10.1177/0886260515604414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of alcohol intoxication, sexual attitudes, and sexual victimization history on the cognitive processes underlying undergraduate women's risk judgments. Participants were 116 unmarried, undergraduate women between the ages of 21 and 29. The sample was diverse ethnically and composed primarily of heterosexual women. Stimuli were written vignettes describing social situations that varied on dimensions of sexual victimization risk and potential impact on women's popularity. Participants were assigned randomly to an alcohol or a no-alcohol condition, and completed an explicit classification task in which they rated how risky each situation was in terms of their having an unwanted sexual experience. They then completed the Sexual Experiences Survey (SES) and the Sociosexuality Scale (SS); SES responses were used to quantify the severity of victimization experiences, and SS responses were used to measure endorsement of positive attitudes toward casual, impersonal sex. Although there was no main effect for condition, higher sociosexuality predicted use of higher thresholds for judging situations as risky. Importantly, sociosexuality interacted with condition such that higher sociosexuality predicted lower sensitivity to risk information in the alcohol condition but not in the no-alcohol condition. More severe victimization history predicted increased use of popularity impactwhen judging risk. This study emphasizes the importance of identifying specific cognitive processes affected by alcohol that may explain why women have difficulty processing contextual cues signaling risk in social situations. It demonstrates also the relevance of examining individual difference factors that may exacerbate the relationship between intoxication and cognitive processing of risk-relevant information.
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Neilson EC, Eakins DR, Davis KC, Norris J, George WH. Depressive Symptoms, Acute Alcohol Intoxication, and Risk Rationale Effects on Men's Condom Use Resistance. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2017; 54:764-775. [PMID: 27547862 PMCID: PMC5526205 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2016.1217500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the role of depressive symptoms, acute intoxication, and risk rationale in men's use of condom use resistance (CUR) tactics in an experimental study. Participants included 313 heterosexual male, nonproblem drinkers, ages 21 to 30. Participants were randomized to one of four beverage conditions: no alcohol, placebo, low (.04%) alcohol dose, or high (.08%) alcohol dose. They read an eroticized scenario depicting a consensual sexual encounter with a female partner who requested a condom to prevent either pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (risk rationale) and then indicated their intentions to use 10 different CUR tactics. Hypotheses related to the pharmacological, dosage, and expectancy effects of alcohol were tested in a generalized linear model. In intoxicated (.04% and .08%) men who were given a pregnancy risk rationale, depressive symptoms were associated with stronger intentions to use CUR tactics than in sober (control and placebo) men. Men who received a high alcohol dose (.08%) and who were given a pregnancy risk rationale reported higher intentions to use CUR tactics than those who received a lower alcohol dose (.04%). Findings suggest that the pharmacological effects of alcohol on men's likelihood to resist condoms vary by the saliency of the risk rationale and mood-related variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C. Neilson
- University of Washington, Department of Psychology, Box 351525, Seattle, WA 98195
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22
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Thompson R, Lewis T, Neilson EC, English DJ, Litrownik AJ, Margolis B, Proctor L, Dubowitz H. Child Maltreatment and Risky Sexual Behavior. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2017; 22:69-78. [PMID: 27777330 PMCID: PMC6685066 DOI: 10.1177/1077559516674595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Risky sexual behavior is a serious public health problem. Child sexual abuse is an established risk factor, but other forms of maltreatment appear to elevate risky behavior. The mechanisms by which child maltreatment influence risk are not well understood. This study used data from 859 high-risk youth, followed through age 18. Official reports of each form of maltreatment were coded. At age 16, potential mediators (trauma symptoms and substance use) were assessed. At age 18, risky sexual behavior (more than four partners, unprotected sex, unassertiveness in sexual refusal) was assessed. Neglect significantly predicted unprotected sex. Substance use predicted unprotected sex and four or more partners but did not mediate the effects of maltreatment. Trauma symptoms predicted unprotected sex and mediated effects of emotional maltreatment on unprotected sex and on assertiveness in sexual refusal and the effects of sexual abuse on unprotected sex. Both neglect and emotional maltreatment emerged as important factors in risky sexual behavior. Trauma symptoms appear to be an important pathway by which maltreatment confers risk for risky sexual behavior. Interventions to reduce risky sexual behavior should include assessment and treatment for trauma symptoms and for history of child maltreatment in all its forms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Terri Lewis
- University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
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Tuliao AP, Hoffman L, McChargue DE. Measuring individual differences in responses to date-rape vignettes using latent variable models. Aggress Behav 2017; 43:60-73. [PMID: 27278255 DOI: 10.1002/ab.21662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Revised: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Vignette methodology can be a flexible and powerful way to examine individual differences in response to dangerous real-life scenarios. However, most studies underutilize the usefulness of such methodology by analyzing only one outcome, which limits the ability to track event-related changes (e.g., vacillation in risk perception). The current study was designed to illustrate the dynamic influence of risk perception on exit point from a date-rape vignette. Our primary goal was to provide an illustrative example of how to use latent variable models for vignette methodology, including latent growth curve modeling with piecewise slopes, as well as latent variable measurement models. Through the combination of a step-by-step exposition in this text and corresponding model syntax available electronically, we detail an alternative statistical "blueprint" to enhance future violence research efforts using vignette methodology. Aggr. Behav. 43:60-73, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antover P. Tuliao
- Department of Psychology; University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Lincoln Nebraska
| | - Lesa Hoffman
- Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies; University of Kansas; Lawrence Kansas
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24
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Crane CA, Godleski SA, Przybyla SM, Schlauch RC, Testa M. The Proximal Effects of Acute Alcohol Consumption on Male-to-Female Aggression: A Meta-Analytic Review of the Experimental Literature. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2016; 17:520-531. [PMID: 26009568 PMCID: PMC4798910 DOI: 10.1177/1524838015584374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The current meta-analytic review examined the experimental literature to quantify the causal effect of acute alcohol consumption on self-reported and observed indicators of male-to-female general, sexual, and intimate partner aggression. Database and reference list searches yielded 22 studies conducted between 1981 and 2014 that met all criteria for inclusion and that were subjected to full text coding for analysis. Results detected a significant overall effect (d = .36), indicating that male participants who consumed alcohol evidenced greater aggressive behavior toward females while completing a subsequent laboratory aggression paradigm than male participants who received no alcohol. We found homogeneity across all categories of potential moderator variables. Results further indicated that alcohol resulted in comparable increases of male-to-female sexual (d = .32) and intimate partner (d = .45) aggression. Further research is required to draw meaningful conclusions about individual and situational factors that may interact with acute alcohol consumption to produce the highest levels of risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cory A Crane
- Biomedical Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Robert C Schlauch
- Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Maria Testa
- Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
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Abbey A, Pegram SE, Woerner J, Wegner R. Men's Responses to Women's Sexual Refusals: Development and Construct Validity of a Virtual Dating Simulation of Sexual Aggression. PSYCHOLOGY OF VIOLENCE 2016; 8:87-99. [PMID: 29375925 PMCID: PMC5784838 DOI: 10.1037/vio0000078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide evidence regarding the construct validity of a sexual aggression proxy in which male participants go on multiple virtual dates with a woman. A unique strength of this proxy is participants' opportunity to make choices throughout the simulation about how they interact with their virtual date. These decisions determine their exposure to the female agent's sexual refusals. METHOD Piloting included focus groups (n = 82), surveys (n = 95), and cognitive interviews (n = 32). To establish construct validity, 87 male participants completed two separate sessions: 1) an online survey with measures of discriminant and convergent validity; and 2) a lab session in which they went on multiple dates that included nonsexual options, sexual options which the female agent accepted, and sexual options she refused. Sexual aggression was operationalized as the total number of sexual refusals that participants' received. RESULTS There was strong correlational evidence for discriminant and convergent validity. As hypothesized, there were some differences in the risk factors associated with refusals received on casual as compared to steady dates. Additionally, the number of refusals received was associated with the types of thoughts and actions commonly reported by perpetrators. CONCLUSIONS This simulation provides a new approach for examining sexual aggression in controlled experiments that vary factors within the simulation such as the man's and woman's intoxication and past sexual history. Because what happens is based on each individual's responses, it could be adapted for use in prevention and treatment programs.
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Estévez A, Ozerinjauregi N, Herrero-Fernández D. Maladaptive Schemas as Mediators in the Relationship Between Child Sexual Abuse and Displaced Aggression. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2016; 25:449-465. [PMID: 27266539 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2016.1156207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Child sexual abuse is one of the most serious forms of abuse due to the psychological consequences that persist even into adulthood. Expressions of anger among child sexual abuse survivors remain common even years after the event. While child sexual abuse has been extensively studied, the expression of displaced aggression has been studied less. Some factors, such as the maladaptive early schemas, might account for this deficiency. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationships between child sexual abuse, displaced aggression, and these schemas according to gender and determine if these early schemas mediate the relationship between child sexual abuse and displaced aggression. A total of 168 Spanish subjects who were victims of child sexual abuse completed measures of childhood trauma, displaced aggression, and early maladaptive schemas. The results depict the relationship between child sexual abuse, displaced aggression, and early maladaptive schemas. Women scored higher than men in child sexual abuse, emotional abuse, disconnection or rejection and impaired autonomy. Mediational analysis found a significant mediation effect of disconnection or rejection on the relationship between child sexual abuse and displaced aggression; however, impaired autonomy did not mediate significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Estévez
- a Department of Psychology , University of Deusto , Bilbao , Spain
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Casey EA, Masters NT, Beadnell B, Hoppe MJ, Morrison DM, Wells EA. Predicting Sexual Assault Perpetration Among Heterosexually Active Young Men. Violence Against Women 2016; 23:3-27. [PMID: 26951305 DOI: 10.1177/1077801216634467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Data from an online community sample of young men were analyzed to test predictors of sexual assault perpetration. We used structural equation modeling to test the relative contributions of specific sub-types of childhood adversity to subsequent sexual aggression. Mediators included hostile masculinity, impersonal sexual behavior and attitudes, and substance use variables. Findings suggested that childhood sexual abuse had direct and mediated effects on sexual assault perpetration, but hostile masculinity was the only proximal factor significantly related to aggression. Childhood polytrauma was also associated with increased perpetration risk, suggesting that prevention efforts may be aided by increased attention to childhood maltreatment.
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Wegner R, Abbey A, Pierce J, Pegram SE, Woerner J. Sexual Assault Perpetrators' Justifications for Their Actions: Relationships to Rape Supportive Attitudes, Incident Characteristics, and Future Perpetration. Violence Against Women 2015; 21:1018-37. [PMID: 26056162 DOI: 10.1177/1077801215589380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Perpetrators use rape supportive attitudes and sexual assault incident characteristics to justify forcing sex on their victims. Perpetrators who can justify their behaviors are at increased risk for future perpetration. This study examined the relationships between rape supportive attitudes, sexual assault incident characteristics, and the post-assault justifications of 183 men sampled from the community who self-reported committing at least one act of sexual aggression. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that rape supportive attitudes, expectations for having sex, misperceptions of sexual intent, victims' alcohol consumption, attempts to be alone with her, and the number of consensual sexual activities prior to the unwanted sex were significant predictors of perpetrators' post-assault use of justifications. Greater use of justifications was a significant predictor of sexual aggression over a 1-year follow-up interval. These findings demonstrate the need for further research exploring when and why perpetrators use post-assault justifications and whether they are amenable to change.
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Abbey A, Wegner R. Using Experimental Paradigms to Examine Alcohol's Role in Men's Sexual Aggression: Opportunities and Challenges in Proxy Development. Violence Against Women 2015; 21:975-96. [PMID: 26048214 DOI: 10.1177/1077801215589378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The goals of this article are to review the major findings from alcohol administration studies that use sexual aggression proxies and to encourage additional experimental research that evaluates hypotheses about the role of alcohol in the etiology of men's sexual aggression. Experiments allow participants to be randomly assigned to drink conditions, therefore ensuring that any differences between drinkers and nondrinkers can be attributed to their alcohol consumption. One of the biggest challenges faced by experimental researchers is the identification of valid operationalizations of key constructs. The tension between internal and external validity is particularly problematic for violence researchers because they cannot allow participants to engage in the target behavior in the laboratory. The strengths and limitations associated with written vignettes, audiotapes, videotapes, and confederate proxies for sexual aggression are described. Suggestions are made for future research to broaden the generalizability of the findings from experimental research.
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Farris C, Hepner KA. Targeting Alcohol Misuse: A Promising Strategy for Reducing Military Sexual Assaults? RAND HEALTH QUARTERLY 2015; 4:6. [PMID: 28083353 PMCID: PMC5158262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
On the 2012 Workplace and Gender Relations Survey on Active Duty Service Members, 23 percent of female and 4 percent of male service members indicated that they had experienced a completed or attempted sexual assault during their military service. In addition, official numbers show no decline in sexual assaults, despite the implementation of sexual assault prevention programs across the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Alcohol misuse is also a problem in the military: One-third of active-duty service members reported binge drinking, a rate that compares unfavorably with that of their civilian counterparts. DoD has invested considerable resources in universal sexual assault prevention programs and social media campaigns, but evaluation results are not yet available, and the effectiveness of these programs is unclear. Research on civilian populations-particularly college students, who share some characteristics with junior enlisted personnel-could provide insights for DoD. For example, the research indicates a connection between alcohol and aggression, including sexual aggression. Alcohol can also have a range of effects on the risk of victimization-from a reduced awareness of risk indicators to incapacitation or unconsciousness. An extensive review of the existing research provides some guidance for how DoD can implement and evaluate efforts to reduce alcohol misuse as part of a larger strategy to reduce the incidence of sexual assault among members of the armed forces.
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Jahnke S, Imhoff R, Hoyer J. Stigmatization of people with pedophilia: two comparative surveys. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2015; 44:21-34. [PMID: 24948422 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-014-0312-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2013] [Revised: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Despite productive research on stigma and its impact on people's lives in the past 20 years, stigmatization of people with pedophilia has received little attention. We conducted two surveys estimating public stigma and determining predictors of social distance from this group. In both studies, pedophilia was defined as a "dominant sexual interest in children." The survey was comprised of items measuring agreement with stereotypes, emotions, and social distance (among others). Responses were compared with identical items referring to either people who abuse alcohol (Study 1), sexual sadists or people with antisocial tendencies (Study 2). Study 1 was conducted in two German cities (N = 854) and Study 2 sampled 201 English-speaking online participants. Both studies revealed that nearly all reactions to people with pedophilia were more negative than those to the other groups, including social distance. Fourteen percent (Study 1) and 28 % (Study 2) of the participants agreed that people with pedophilia should better be dead, even if they never had committed criminal acts. The strongest predictors of social distance towards people with pedophilia were affective reactions to this group (anger and, inversely, associated, pity) and the political attitude of right-wing authoritarianism (Study 1). Results strongly indicate that people with pedophilia are a stigmatized group who risk being the target of fierce discrimination. We discuss this particular form of stigmatization with respect to social isolation of persons with pedophilia and indirect negative consequences for child abuse prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Jahnke
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Hohe Straße 53, 01187, Dresden, Germany,
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Abbey A, Wegner R, Woerner J, Pegram SE, Pierce J. Review of survey and experimental research that examines the relationship between alcohol consumption and men's sexual aggression perpetration. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2014; 15:265-82. [PMID: 24776459 PMCID: PMC4477196 DOI: 10.1177/1524838014521031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
This article systematically reviews empirical studies that examine associations between alcohol consumption and men's sexual aggression with the goal of identifying major findings; gaps in current knowledge; and directions for future research, practice, and policy. We identified 25 cross-sectional surveys, 6 prospective studies, and 12 alcohol administration experiments published between 1993 and August 2013 with male college students and young adult (nonincarcerated) samples. Many cross-sectional surveys have demonstrated that distal and proximal measures of men's alcohol consumption are positively associated with sexual assault perpetration, although very few of these studies evaluated how alcohol interacts with other risk and protective factors to exacerbate or inhibit sexual aggression. There are surprisingly few surveys that examine alcohol's effects at the event level and over short-time intervals to identify how changes in alcohol consumption are associated with changes in perpetration status. Alcohol administration studies suggest some important mechanisms that warrant additional investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Abbey
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Rhiana Wegner
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | | | - Sheri E Pegram
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Jennifer Pierce
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
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Davis KC, George WH, Nagayama Hall GC, Parrott DJ, Tharp AT, Stappenbeck CA. Studying Sexual Aggression: A Review of the Evolution and Validity of Laboratory Paradigms. PSYCHOLOGY OF VIOLENCE 2014; 4:462-476. [PMID: 29675289 PMCID: PMC5902808 DOI: 10.1037/a0037662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Researchers have endeavored for decades to develop and implement experimental assessments of sexual aggression and its precursors to capitalize on the many scientific advantages offered by laboratory experiments, such as rigorous control of key variables and identification of causal relationships. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of and commentary on the evolution of these laboratory-based methods. CONCLUSIONS To date, two primary types of sexual aggression laboratory studies have been developed: those that involve behavioral analogues of sexual aggression and those that assess postulated precursors to sexually aggressive behavior. Although the study of sexual aggression in the laboratory is fraught with methodological challenges, validity concerns, and ethical considerations, advances in the field have resulted in greater methodological rigor, more precise dependent measures, and improved experimental validity, reliability, and realism. Because highly effective sexual aggression prevention strategies remain elusive, continued laboratory-based investigation of sexual aggression coupled with translation of critical findings to the development and modification of sexual aggression prevention programs remains an important task for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Andra Teten Tharp
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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Davis KC, Stappenbeck CA, Norris J, George WH, Jacques-Tiura AJ, Schraufnagel TJ, Kajumulo KF. Young men's condom use resistance tactics: a latent profile analysis. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2014; 51:454-65. [PMID: 23548069 PMCID: PMC3723757 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2013.776660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Research suggests that many men have used a variety of tactics to avoid using condoms when having sex with women. Guided by previous work demonstrating that men's use of coercive condom resistance tactics was predicted by negative attitudes toward women, inconsistent condom use, multiple partners, and sexual sensation seeking, the current study used latent profile analysis (LPA) to determine whether similar constructs were associated with a variety of resistance tactics. A community sample of 313 moderate-drinking men participated, of whom 80% reported employing at least one condom use resistance tactic since adolescence. The LPA revealed three classes of men. In general, men with the least negative beliefs about women, low levels of sexual sensation seeking and impulsivity, and positive beliefs about condoms (Condom Positive/Low Hostility) reported less use of resistance tactics than men with moderate sexual sensation seeking and impulsivity, negative beliefs about condoms, and moderate (Condom Negative/Moderate Hostility) or high (Condom Negative/High Hostility) negative attitudes about women. The classes also differed in terms of their sexual behaviors. This study demonstrated that sexual risk behavior interventions should not only address the tactics through which men resist using condoms but also tailor these efforts to men's individual characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Cue Davis
- School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | | | - Jeanette Norris
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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